Ulster Defence Regiment

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many applications were received to join the Ulster Defence Regiment in each of the last six months; and how many enlistments and resignations there were in each month.

The number of applications received to join the Ulster Defence Regiment, the numbers enlisted and resigned in the months ended on the dates shown were:

Regular Army is effected through local security committees which co-ordinate the routine activities of all the security forces. These committees are chaired by Regular Army representatives and include garrison unit personnel, most of whom are on normal tours of duty in Northern Ireland. The appointment of special liaison officers between the
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U.D.R. and Regular Army is therefore not necessary.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what proposals he proposes to make, in the current year, about the payment of bounty to members of the Ulster Defence Regiment who are unable to complete the qualifying training days because of the demands of active service.

The regulations for the Ulster Defence Regiment allow those members who have completed one year's service without carrying out their obligatory training commitment in full to receive the full bounty if, in the judgment of G.O.C. Northern Ireland, the individual's shortfall in training is due to Service reasons.

Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are covered by the provisions of the Royal Warrant concerning pensions and other grants in respect of disablement or death due to service, including travel on or to or from duty.

Like members of the Regular Army no special insurance arrangements exist for men travelling to and from duty with the Ulster Defence Regiment. However, I understand that at the wish of the majority of the members a personal accident scheme has been negotiated by Headquarters Ulster Defence Regiment with a commercial insurance company. Premiums will be collected from those who wish to participate.

Continuous efforts are made to promote good relations between the Ulster Defence Regiment and the public by seeking through the press, radio and television—including advertising—and by personal contacts200W
of various kinds to describe the importance of the work carried out by the Regiment, and to explain the reasons when the duties of the Regiment necessarily cause inconvenience, as with road checks. The G.O.C. Northern Ireland has the guidance of an Advisory Council of distinguished citizens drawn from different walks of life in Northern Ireland under the chairmanship of General Sir John Anderson, the Colonel Commandant of the Regiment.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what payments are received by officers and other ranks members of the Ulster Defence Regiment for service of eight hours, 15 hours and 22 hours, respectively, within any 24-hour period; and whether he will give specific examples.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the present mileage allowance for members of the Ulster Defence Regiment; what are the circumstances which permit the use of cars by members of this force; and whether he will review this rate of payment.

Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment can use their cars on official duty journeys and in travelling to and from their homes or work to their place of duty. The rate of mileage allowance for an average sized family car is between 2p and 4½p per
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mile, depending upon the nature of the journey.

These rates and conditions of use, which are those that apply for members of the T.A.V.R., are regularly reviewed.